[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF PORTUGUESE IMMIGRANT WEEK

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2017

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th 
Anniversary of Portuguese Immigrant Week. As members of the Portuguese 
community in the Sacramento region celebrate and gather today, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring them and their long history and 
contributions to our region and country.
  California was discovered by Portuguese explorer Joao Rodrigues 
Cabrillo in 1542. Centuries later, in the mid-1800s, Portuguese 
immigrants made new roots for their families setting in our state--many 
owned, operated, or worked on a dairy farm or in the dairy-related 
industry. Throughout the many decades, the Portuguese communities in 
California have made a great effort to preserve their culture and 
identity. The Portuguese communities and their members contribute many 
services to the local community and they are always striving to uphold 
the values that the Portuguese community holds dear. Fifty years ago, 
recognizing their contributions, then Governor Ronald Reagan declared 
the second week of March as ``Portuguese Immigrant Week''. We celebrate 
the long history of the Portuguese community in our region. The 
community in Sacramento continues to share their rich and beautiful 
heritage and we will continue to celebrate their influence in our 
region.
  Mr. Speaker, as members of our community gather to celebrate the 
outstanding contributions of our Portuguese families, I ask all my 
colleagues to join me in honoring them for their dedication.

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